Earlier in the week, Sprint reduced the price of the iPhone 4S down to $149 on its website, likely in preparation of Apple’s announcement of iPhone 5 release date, next month. Apple’s prices remained steady even as carriers began to make changes, remaining at the $199/$299/$399 for the iPhone 4S, $99 for the iPhone 4, and free for the iPhone 3GS, all with a 2 year contract. However, now that Apple will be following suit and reducing prices on the 4S as well.

On Thursday, MacRumorsreported that Apple would be reducing the price of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 models by $49.01, lowering the prices to $149.99/$249.99/$349.99 iPhone 4S, $49.99 for the iPhone 4, and free for the 3GS respectively. This offer is valid only when a customer requests for a price match and shows an offer for a lower priced iPhone.

Apple, with the latest discounts at its retail stores will now be leveling its prices with carriers and retailers across the country, and preparing to clear stock for upcoming iPhone 5 release date announcement. Apple’s price match discounts, according to the report, will only be available in Apple’s Retail Stores only. It is very likely that Apple will also extend this to their online store several weeks prior to the iPhone 5 release date.